FM says Azerbaijan will continue coop with Afghanistan

Transit of goods to Afghanistan through Azerbaijan continues as part of NATO's ISAF operations and the country offers various services, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told journalists on Wednesday.

He said it is Azerbaijan's contribution to this process that enables NATO member states and partners to enjoy these transit opportunities.

"By late 2014 ISAF troops will leave Afghanistan and part of the cargo will be withdrawn through the transit corridors provided by Azerbaijan to Europe and other countries. Now it is already underway," Azimov said.

He said goods will be carried on a larger scale from the second half of 2013.

"Within a year that is in 2014, withdrawal of all troops should be carried in accordance with the plan. It is impossible to withdraw all simultaneously. ISAF troops should stay in the country until the end of this year gradually transferring its mission to Afghan government.

"The Afghan government has directed all its potential to extending its sovereign control over all its territory and ensuring security. This process continues and we can say fulfilled by 90 per cent. We in turn, cooperate with Afghanistan in all areas and are prepared to continue this cooperation," Azimov said.



/Trend/